JPH07288664A - Facsimile equipment and facsimile communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the abnormal termination of communication due to memory over capacity by informing it that a subaddress function is invalid when the residual capacity of an image memory is less than a prescribed capacity and an initial identification signal or a transmission instruction signal is sent. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 1 calculates a memory residual capability of a memory DRAM 6 at a point of time when image data are stored in the memory 6 and compares the memory residual capability with a prescribed value. When the memory residual capability is smaller, the CPU 1 is reset a subaddress control flag and stores the data to a subaddress control storage means. When a caller side confirms it that a bit is not set in an initial identification signal (DIS) from a called party, it is discriminated that no subaddress function is provided to the caller side and corresponding processing is implemented. Furthermore, the called party does not accept confidential reception using a subaddress. Thus abnormal termination of communication due to memory over capacity in a receiver side is avoided in advance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is applicable to CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) / T. The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile communication method capable of performing confidential communication, relay instruction communication, and the like by using the sub-address additionally recommended in 30.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art CCITT / T. Facsimile devices that set confidential box numbers, relay group numbers, etc. to the sub-address additionally recommended in 30 (procedures for document facsimile transmission in the general switched telephone network) and perform confidential communication, relay instruction communication, etc. have already been used. Are known.

This type of facsimile apparatus includes a transmitting / receiving section for transmitting / receiving image information to / from a partner machine via a communication line,
An image processing unit that compresses and decompresses images, an image reading unit that reads a document, an image memory that stores received images and read images, and is divided and managed by a box number, and operations for performing various operations of facsimile communication And a printing unit for printing the received image.

For example, when confidential communication is carried out by this facsimile apparatus, when the called address (receiver side) has a valid subaddress function, a bit 49 indicating the validity of the subaddress is set in DIS (initial identification signal). And send it to the calling party. On the calling side, the bit 4 is added to the received DIS.
When it is confirmed that there is 9, the transmission image is sent to the called side together with the subaddress in which the confidential box number is designated.

Then, the called side analyzes the sub-address sent from the calling side to confirm the confidential box number, and stores the received image in a predetermined area of the image memory corresponding to this number.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional facsimile apparatus, even when the receiver has a small remaining amount of image memory capable of storing received images,
The next confidential reception or relay instruction reception will be accepted. In this case, there is a problem that the communication ends in error as a result of exhaustion of the memory due to exhaustion of the remaining memory during reception, and the communication so far is completely wasted.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention is a CCI.
TT / T. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile communication method capable of preventing the communication from ending in error due to a memory overflow when performing confidential communication or relay instruction communication using the sub-address additionally recommended in 30. To do.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a receiving means for receiving an image transmitted from a partner machine, an image reading means for reading an original, and a receiving means for receiving by the receiving means. An image memory for accumulating the received image and the read image read by the image reading means, box number storage means for storing a box number for dividing and managing the image memory, and CCITT
/ T. 30. Sub-address control storage means for storing the sub-address control information indicating the validity / invalidity of the sub-address recommended in 30, and the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storage means. A bit indicating that it is valid is set in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal, and when subaddress control information indicating invalidity of the subaddress is stored, setting of the bit in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal is prohibited. Bit setting means for
Transmission means for transmitting the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal after execution of the bit setting means, and analysis means for analyzing the subaddress transmitted from the partner machine when the subaddress is valid to obtain the box number In a facsimile apparatus having a received image storage control unit that stores a received image in the image memory corresponding to the box number obtained by the analysis unit, a remaining memory amount calculation unit that calculates the remaining memory amount in the image memory And a comparing means for comparing the amount of remaining memory calculated by the remaining memory amount calculating means with a preset threshold value; and when the comparing means determines that the threshold value is larger, the sub-address control The storage means is provided with storage control means for storing the sub-address control information indicating invalidity of the sub-address. Those were.

In the first invention, the storage control means stores the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address in the sub-address control storage means when the comparison means determines that the threshold value is smaller. You may do it.

Also, in the first aspect of the present invention, the memory control means includes a memory over detection means for detecting that the memory has run out when the read image or the received image is stored in the image memory. The sub-address control information indicating the invalidity of the sub-address may be stored in the sub-address control storage means when the memory overflow is detected.

Further, in the first invention, an image erasing detection means for detecting that all the images stored in the image memory are erased is provided, and the storage control means is configured to detect all the images by the image erasing detection means. When it is detected that the image has been erased, the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address may be stored in the sub-address control storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, a second invention is
CCITT / T. A sub-address control storing process for storing in the sub-address control storing unit sub-address control information indicating validity / invalidity of the sub-address recommended in No. 30, and when sub-address control information indicating valid sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storing unit. Sets a bit indicating that the sub address is valid in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal, and when the sub address control information indicating invalidity of the sub address is stored, A bit set process for prohibiting setting, a signal transmission process for transmitting the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal after the bit set process, and a box number by analyzing the sub address transmitted from the partner device when the sub address is valid. With box number confirmation process to get In the facsimile communication method for executing an image storage process of storing a received image in an image memory corresponding to a box number confirmed by the box number confirmation process, the sub-address control storage process calculates a remaining memory amount in the image memory. Then, the calculated remaining memory amount is compared with a preset threshold value, and when the threshold value is determined to be larger, the sub-address control information indicating that the sub-address is invalid is stored in the sub-address control storage means. It is something that is done.

Further, in the second invention, in the sub-address control storage processing, the memory remaining amount in the image memory is calculated, the calculated memory remaining amount is compared with a preset threshold value, and the threshold value is set. When it is determined that the sub address is smaller, the sub address control information indicating the validity of the sub address may be stored in the sub address control storage means.

Further, in the second invention, the sub-address control storing process is carried out when the read-out image or the received image is stored in the image memory when it is detected that the image memory is out of memory. The sub address control information indicating invalidity of the sub address may be stored in the control storage means.

Further, in the second invention, the sub-address control storage processing indicates to the sub-address control storage means that the sub-address is valid when it is detected that all the images stored in the image memory are erased. The sub address control information may be stored.

[0016]

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, the sub-address control information indicating the invalidity of the sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storage means when the remaining memory capacity of the image memory becomes smaller than a preset threshold value. To be done. As a result, when the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal is transmitted to the partner device, it is transmitted without setting the bit indicating that the subaddress is valid. That is, the other device is notified that the sub address function is invalid. As a result, reception of confidential reception, reception of relay instruction, etc. using the subaddress is not performed, and it is possible to prevent communication from ending in error due to memory overflow.

When the threshold value is smaller than the remaining memory capacity of the image memory, sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storage means. As a result, when transmitting the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal to the partner device, a bit indicating that the subaddress is valid is set and transmitted. That is,
Notify the other device that the sub address function is valid. As a result, confidential reception, relay instruction reception, and the like using the sub-address can be performed without any trouble.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a central control unit (CPU), which is a content of programs stored in the ROM 2 (including programs shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 4 described later).
Control the whole device according to. Also, if necessary, RA
M3 is used as a work area. The original document is read by the contact sensor 4, compression-coded through the read control gate array 5, and the image memory (DRAM:
Dynamic RAM 6). At this time, RAM
Image management information such as a receipt number, destination information, the number of pages, and stored image memory block information (a box number for dividing and managing the image memory 6) is stored in the area 7.

The image stored in the image memory 6 is decompressed and decoded by the recording control gate array 8 and printed out on recording paper by the laser printer 9. Alternatively, after the digital-analog modulation (PM-AM modulation) is performed by the modulator / demodulator (modem) 10, the NCU for line switching is used.
It is sent to the communication line 12 through (Network Control Unit) 11.

The received image data is input to the modem 10 through the NCU 11, demodulated, expanded and decoded to check an image error, and if correct, compression-decoded to obtain the image memory 6
Stored in. At this time, the image management information is stored in the RAM 7.

Further, the operator can perform various instructions / settings by pressing the key 13, the contents of which are held in the RAM 14 and confirmed on the display unit 15 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). be able to. The CPU 1 detects input data from the key 13 through the panel control gate array 16 and causes the display unit 15 to display necessary data.

Further, the CPU 1 has a CCITT / T. Thirty
In addition to the sub-address control storage means for storing a sub-address control flag (sub-address control information) indicating the validity / invalidity of the sub-address recommended in addition to the box number by analyzing the sub-address sent from the partner machine when the sub-address is valid. And the received image accumulation control means for accumulating the received image in the image memory 6 corresponding to the box number obtained by this analyzing means.

In the following, CCITT / T. The operation in the case of performing confidential communication, for example, using the sub-address additionally recommended in 30 will be described.

FIG. 2 shows the DI on the receiver side in this embodiment.
It is a flow chart which shows S transmission processing.

First, in executing the facsimile communication protocol, it is determined whether or not DIS (initial identification signal) transmission is to be performed (step S20). This DIS represents the standard CCITT capability on the receiver side, and has a predetermined format. If DIS transmission is to be performed, transmission information is set for bits other than the bit 49 (indicating the validity of the sub address) of the DIS (step S21). This is the same as the conventional facsimile machine and informs the communication partner of the function of its own model.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the sub-address control flag in the sub-address control storage means is in the set state (step S22). When the sub-address control flag is in the set state, it is determined that the sub-address function is effective, The bit 49 of the DIS is set in order to notify the communication partner that "there is a sub-address function" (step S23).

On the other hand, when the sub-address control flag is not set (cleared), it is judged that the sub-address function is invalid and the bit 49 of the DIS is cleared to notify the communication partner device of "no sub-address function" ( Step S24).

Then, step S23 or step S
After the process of 24, the DIS is transmitted to the communication partner device through the NCU 11 (step S25), and the DIS transmission process on the receiver side is ended.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing when the sub-address control flag (step S22 in FIG. 2) is set.

The process of setting the sub-address control flag in this embodiment is performed when the read image read in the image memory 6 or the received received image is cleared. That is, it is performed when the image data is cleared from the image memory 6 (step S30).

If the image data is cleared from the image memory 6, after calculating the unused memory capacity of the image memory 6, that is, the remaining memory capacity (step S
31), the calculated remaining memory amount is compared with 25% of the total capacity of the image memory 6 to determine whether or not the former is larger than the latter (step S32).

If the remaining memory capacity is larger, the sub-address control flag is set and stored in the sub-address control storage means, and the present flow ends (step S3).
3) If the remaining memory capacity is smaller, the sub-address control flag is left unset and the process ends.

After that, when the calling side (communication partner side) confirms that the bit 49 is set in the DIS from the called side, "the called side (receiver side) has a sub-address function". , And sends the transmission image to the called side (receiver side) together with the subaddress with the confidential box number specified. Then, the called side analyzes the sub-address sent from the calling side to confirm the confidential box number,
The received image is stored in a predetermined area of the image memory corresponding to this number.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the process when the sub-address control flag (step S22 in FIG. 2) is cleared.

The process for clearing the sub-address control flag is performed when the read image read in the image memory 6 or the received image received is accumulated in the image memory 6.
That is, the process is performed when the image data is stored in the image memory 6 (step S40). Image data is image memory 6
If it is stored in the memory, the memory remaining amount of the image memory 6 is calculated (step S41), and the calculated memory remaining amount is compared with 25% of the total capacity of the image memory 6, and the former is the latter. It is determined whether it is smaller than (step S42).

If the remaining memory capacity is smaller, the sub-address control flag is set to a non-set (clear) state and stored in the sub-address control storage means, and the present flow ends (step S43). In this case, the sub address control flag is left in the set state, and the process ends.

After that, when the calling side (communication side) confirms that the bit 49 is not set in the DIS from the called side, "the called side (receiver side) does not have a sub-address function". Then, the subsequent processing corresponding thereto is performed, and the called side does not accept confidential reception using the subaddress. As a result, it is possible to prevent the communication from ending in error due to the memory overflow on the receiver side.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the processing at the time of setting the sub-address control flag in the first embodiment (FIG. 3).
And processing when the sub address control flag is cleared (Fig. 4)
The other elements are all the same as those in the first embodiment except for the difference.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing at the time of setting the sub-address control flag (step S22 in FIG. 2) in this embodiment.

The processing for setting the sub-address control flag in this embodiment is performed when the read image read in the image memory 6 or the received image received is cleared. That is, it is performed when the image data is cleared from the image memory 6 (step S50).

When the image data is cleared from the image memory 6, it is further checked whether or not all the image data are cleared (step S51). If all the image data have been cleared, the sub address control flag is set and the process ends. If all the image data have not been cleared, the sub-address control flag is left in the non-set state, and the process ends.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing when the sub-address control flag (step S22 in FIG. 2) in this embodiment is cleared.

The process for clearing the sub-address control flag is performed at the time when the read image read in the image memory 6 or the received received image is accumulated.
That is, the process is performed when the image data is stored in the image memory 6 (step S60).

When the image data is stored in the image memory 6, it is checked whether the memory capacity is insufficient and the memory overflows (step S61). When a memory overflow occurs, the sub-address control flag is set to a non-set (clear) state and the process ends (step S62). When the memory overflow does not occur, the sub-address control flag is left in the set state and the process ends.

Even if the processing is performed as in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various modifications are possible. For example, as a modification,
There are the following.

(1) In the above first and second embodiments, DI
Although it has been described that it is applied when S is sent, the same effect is obtained when it is applied when DTC (transmission command signal: digital command response to standard function identified by DIS) is sent.

(2) Although 25% of the total capacity of the image memory 6 is used as the threshold value, a ratio other than 25% may be used, or a threshold value in bytes may be used.

(3) The process of setting and clearing the sub-address control flag is combined with that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in the first embodiment, and is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in the second embodiment. However, this combination may be arbitrary, for example, the combinations shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be used.

[0053]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the remaining memory amount calculating means for calculating the remaining memory amount in the image memory, and the remaining memory amount calculated by the remaining memory amount calculating means Comparing means for comparing the magnitude with a preset threshold value, and storage control means for storing sub-address control information indicating invalidity of the sub-address in the sub-address control storage means when the threshold value is larger by the comparing means. Since the receiver is provided, when the remaining memory capacity for storing received images becomes small on the receiver side, confidential reception and relay instruction reception using subaddresses will not be accepted, and communication error will occur due to memory over. It is possible to avoid the termination in advance.
This enables efficient and efficient communication such as confidential reception and relay instruction reception using the subaddress.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the memory remaining amount in the image memory is calculated, the calculated memory remaining amount is compared with the preset threshold value, and when the threshold value is determined to be larger Since the sub-address control storage means stores the sub-address control information indicating the invalidity of the sub-address, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a facsimile apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a DIS transmission process on the receiver side in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process when a sub address control flag is set in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing when clearing a sub address control flag in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process when setting a sub address control flag in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process when clearing a sub address control flag in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 Contact Sensor 5 Reading Control Gate Array 6 Image Memory 7 RAM 8 Recording Control Gate Array 9 Laser Printer 10 Modem 11 NCU 12 Communication Line 13 Key 14 RAM 15 Display 16 Panel Control Gate Array

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving an image transmitted from a partner machine, an image reading means for reading a document, a received image received by the receiving means and a read image read by the image reading means. Image memory, a box number storage means for storing a box number for dividing and managing the image memory, and CCITT /
T. 30. Sub-address control storage means for storing the sub-address control information indicating the validity / invalidity of the sub-address recommended in 30, and the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storage means. A bit indicating that it is valid is set in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal, and when subaddress control information indicating invalidity of the subaddress is stored, setting of the bit in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal is prohibited. Bit setting means, transmitting means for transmitting the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal after execution of the bit setting means, the sub address transmitted from the partner machine when the sub address is valid, and the box The analysis means for obtaining the number and the In a facsimile apparatus having a received image storage control means for storing received images in the image memory corresponding to the box number, a memory remaining amount calculation means for calculating a memory remaining amount in the image memory, and the memory remaining amount calculation Comparing means for comparing the amount of remaining memory calculated by the means with a preset threshold value; and when the comparing means determines that the threshold value is larger, the sub-address control storage means invalidates the sub-address. And a storage control unit that stores the sub-address control information that represents the facsimile apparatus. 2. The storage control means stores the sub-address control information indicating the validity of a sub-address in the sub-address control storage means when the comparison means determines that the threshold value is smaller. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A memory-over detection unit that detects that the memory has run out when the read image or the received image is stored in the image memory, and the storage control unit detects when the memory is over. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-address control information is stored in the sub-address control storage means to indicate that the sub-address is invalid. 4. An image erasing detection unit that detects that all the images stored in the image memory have been erased, and the storage control unit includes all the images erased by the image erasing detection unit. 2. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-address control storage means stores the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address when the sub-address control information is detected. 5. The CCITT / T. A sub-address control storing process for storing in the sub-address control storing unit sub-address control information indicating validity / invalidity of the sub-address recommended in No. 30, and when sub-address control information indicating valid sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storing unit. Sets a bit indicating that the sub address is valid in the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal, and when the sub address control information indicating invalidity of the sub address is stored, A bit set process for prohibiting setting, a signal transmission process for transmitting the initial identification signal or the transmission command signal after the bit set process, and a box number by analyzing the sub address transmitted from the partner device when the sub address is valid. With box number confirmation process to get
In a facsimile communication method for executing an image storage process of storing a received image in an image memory corresponding to a box number confirmed by the box number confirmation process, the sub-address control storage process calculates a remaining memory amount in the image memory. Then, the calculated remaining memory amount is compared with a preset threshold value, and when the threshold value is larger, the sub-address control information indicating invalidity of the sub-address is stored in the sub-address control storage means. A facsimile communication method comprising: 6. The sub-address control storage process calculates a memory remaining amount in the image memory, compares the calculated memory remaining amount with a preset threshold value, and determines that the threshold value is smaller. 6. The facsimile communication method according to claim 5, wherein the sub-address control storage means stores the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address. 7. The sub-address control storage processing is configured to store a sub-address in the sub-address control storage means when it is detected that the image memory is out of memory during an operation of accumulating a read image or a received image in the image memory. 6. The facsimile communication method according to claim 5, wherein the sub-address control information indicating invalidity is stored. 8. The sub-address control storage processing stores the sub-address control information indicating the validity of the sub-address in the sub-address control storage means when it is detected that all the images stored in the image memory are erased. 6. The facsimile communication method according to claim 5, wherein the facsimile communication method is performed.